Gulf of Orosei is well known for its cave systems and beautiful landscapes. However, the Clean the Gulf 2024 project focused on open water diving. Abandoned fishing gear can be found everywhere – including crystal clear waters of Sardinia. Our goal was to locate and document ghost fishing gear and remove it from the waters of the Gulf of Orosei.
From October 7 to 11, 2024, we conducted a series of project dives at depths of 30 to 60 meters. With only five divers involved, we were able to achieve most of our goals. We started by removing old gillnets and cages from a reef located about 300m north of the popular Nasello wreck. Then we took care of the abandoned trawl net reported to us by local fishermen. This huge net got entangled on a small reef at a depth of 60 meters about 30 years ago. Despite the slow decay over the years, all the elements of the fishing net were strong enough for us to lift the entire 400-kilogram net in one piece.
Another result of this project is a 3D model of the bow part of the KT12 wreck. We created this model after carefully removing the fragments of ghost nets hanging on the anchor windlass.
Bartek Trzciński, Joanna Wyrębek, Marcin Pawelczyk, Piotr Nowak, Piotr B., Andrea Marassich, Olga Martinelli, Isadora Abuter Grebe
Our project plan was previously discussed with our local representative – Fabio Sagghedu and approved by the local authorities – the Harbour Master’s Office of Cala Gonone. Thanks to the support of the municipality of Dorgali, all recovered waste was collected and sent for recycling. The project was supported by: Global Underwater Explorers, Ghost Diving Poland, Commune di Dorgali and Divers24.
